Pittsburg GEAR UP students tour Grayson College and The Dallas Holocaust Museum

5/5/2017

WILBURTON, OK (May 5, 2017) – Twelve Pittsburg GEAR UP students recently traveled to Denison, TX to tour Grayson College (GC). Enrollment and Academic Advisor Charles Leslie greeted each student and congratulated the seniors for their accomplishments thus far. He then asked each student about future career goals and what major/programs they need to consider in order to help them achieve those goals. After the welcome and introduction to the college, students set off on a campus tour with guide Mackenzie Buckner, a sophomore business major at Grayson planning to transfer to the University of Dallas and major in Pre-Law.

Students began the tour in the Arts and Communication Building walking through the Art Gallery with GC student art on display. They got a sneak peek into the auditorium where various shows are presented and graduation is held. Mackenzie led students though the Science Building and the Library. Students were impressed to see the numerous free resources available. GC Information Technician Rachel Schroeder explained textbooks on reserve, the Writing Lab, five private study rooms for groups to gather and how they share resources with the Denison and Sherman Public Libraries.

The most fun spot on campus is probably considered the Life Center. Grayson students enjoy recreational games and social time on campus. There are multiple pool tables, ping pong tables, foosball and a video gaming area with multiple screens and gaming consoles. There is also a Veteran’s Hub where veterans and their families can go to get specific resources and a private lounge area with comfortable seating and computers. Downstairs from the Life Center is the cafeteria where students got to smell some wonderful food being prepared for lunch.

The last educational building students walked through was the Career Technology Center. Grayson has a unique addition to the formal college campus by offering direct workforce programs on site. Pittsburg students explored the Welding, HVAC, Automotive and Cosmetology Programs first hand. They also learned about the Culinary Program where there is a student run restaurant on campus for other students as well as the public. Students also got to see inside the Fitness Center which is free for Grayson students.

After lunch Pittsburg students had an opportunity to tour The Dallas Holocaust Museum. Founded in 1984, the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance is dedicated to teaching the history of the Holocaust and advancing human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference. Located in Dallas’ Historic West End, the Museum hosted more than 50,000 visitors last year.

Pittsburg students explored the museum through an audio-guided tour learning about each display by entering a code in the audio device and listening to the information. After the audio tour, students watched a video of survivor testimonies. Many of the survivors had experienced traumatizing events during their childhood from the events of the Holocaust and spoke about how that affected them in childhood, as well as later in life and through adulthood. This provided students with a much clearer understanding of the historical events as well as the need for tolerance in today’s society.

The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature.